Ride control is recalling certain front strut mounts branded as gabriel ride control or arvinmeritor, p/nos. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, Sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The affected front strut mounts did not contain a weld...
1989-2002 · 14 model years
Geo Prizm Problems by year
Owners have filed 614 complaints about the Geo Prizm across 14 model years, and it has 6 recalls. The 1994 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (143), while 2000, 2001, 2002 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the airbags, followed by the seats & seat belts.
- Complaints
- 614
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 143
- Fires
- 19
- Injuries
- 133
- Deaths
- 2
Prizm complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Prizm problems
Geo Prizm recalls 6
If the air bag computer in a subject vehicle experiences a mechanical shock (i.E., Rapidly moving the front seat back against the stops or a sudden release of the parking brake) within a very short time after the engine is started, the air bag can deploy...
Covers1997 Geo Prizm
If liquid is spilled in the console box area, the air bag warning light can illuminate and stay "on" during normal driving conditions.
The battery can have a defective weld inside the positive and/or negative terminal allowing the connection inside of the terminal to separate.
Covers1995 Geo Prizm
The front seat belt buckle anchor straps were not properly heat treated. In the event of an accident, the seat belt buckle can separate from the anchor strap. This does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies."
Covers1994 Geo Prizm
Lug nuts that retain wheels and wheel covers may have been torqued to lower than recommended specifications.
Covers1991 Geo Prizm
Latest Prizm complaints
The contact owns a 1997 Geo Prizm. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 324,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 geo prizm. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag and front passenger air bag abruptly deployed when the ignition switch was engaged. The contact sustained burn injuries to both arms and chest. Medical attention was not received. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 228,194.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 geo prizm. While driving various speeds over a bump in the road, the vehicle pulled to the left. The failure recurred two or three times per day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Also, at 40,000 miles, the tires became worn out within 10,000 miles. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10e002000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,140.
My hood blow off the car at 35/40 mph -- there is nothing left of the hood release or the hood hinges my hood was there but also feel off - *tr
Dangerously poor winter traction on a tire labeled as all-season. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet prizm. The contact was driving 30 mph and became involved in a crash. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver's seat was pushed backward, causing the contact to sustain injuries to the back. The contact was wearing the seatbelt at the time of the seat failure. A police report was not available. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 125,000. The vin was not available.
Questions about the Geo Prizm
Which Geo Prizm years have the most problems?
Which Geo Prizm years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Geo Prizm problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the airbags (160), seats & seat belts (121), body, doors & structure (73) most often.
How many recalls does the Geo Prizm have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls across all Geo Prizm model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data